Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1887-11-03
LUCY'S GUARDIAN.
The Brief Story of a Wife's Sal
walton.

'YOu will-er-stay and-and meet
Mr. Rochdale, my dear. will you
not?"
''Well, no, papa" replied Edith Las
celles. IN meditative fashion, 81
don't think will. You see, my posi-
ton is peculiar one. have no hest
tation in saying that find it disa-'
greeable one also. suppose if were
like heroine Of romance should feel
avid excitement and strange thrill.
etc. etc, at meeting the man who is
to be my husband. but who is utterly
unknown to me; but not being hero
inc at all, these feelings are wanting"
''Of course. my DEAR" Mr.. Lascelles
observed, a trifle nervously, '.yOu know
you can refuse him if you like, but you
are so sensible, and
"Yes." cut in the girl, decisively,
"and shall lose five thousand year,
shan't L? Well. tell you fatty. papa,
! shall lose the five thousand most GER
tainly if don't like the man.
'.Then you intend to let the money
slip from you altogether. In plain
words. you refuse. !"
Edith shook her head.
Il never do any thing in a hurry"
she determined, and glance at her
pretty, firm mouth bore testimony to
her words; ''but YOU did not tell me,
papa, what induced Aunt Maria to
choose this MIR. Rochdale more than
any other person."
.'She was in love with his father
years ago. At least, believe so, my
dear, and So"
Il understand" Edith's lip curled
in sheer; delightfully."- sentimental
and deplorably vulgar
Two days later Edith found herself
ensconced in the suggest corner of
pretty Mrs. Dalton's drawing room.
She was very fond of Lucy; they had
been firm friends in their childish days
and Mrs. Dalton had the greatest re-
spect for the tall, handsome girl who
was so far her superior in brains. The
last time they had met had been in
Paris. when Edith was introduced to
. Lucy's husband. one of the kindest-
hearted men in the world-a drysalter,
or Il soap5oiler. or some such myster-
ious and consequently wealthy person
and to the golden-haired child the
very image of her mother and the idol
of the household.
You are looking pale. Lucy"
Edith remarked. as she stitched vigor-
y, IL :. 1 l.
amoment.
Lucy suddenly belied the suggestion
by co!oring wildly. almost painfully.
Il am very we'll. dear" she an
swered; and Edith's quick ear caught
the faintest trace of annoyance in the
pretty voice.
She pondered little over this. and
by and by Mrs. Dalton rose hurriedly.
'.You won't mind, Edith, if leave
You for half an hour. will you? l
must go to Dents; they have not sent
home the things ordered"
"Let me go?" Edith put down her
work. You know you have been out
this morning, and Herbert does not
like to see you tired when he comes
home"
20. the drive won't hurt me, and
would rather 60 myself. the people are
SO stupid. know you won't be dull;
there is pile of new books. and baby
will come down if you would care to
have her."
Edith stared at the fire when alone.
elf it was not too absurd" she said
to herself, as she recalled the nervous
ness and haste with which her friend
had spoken, II should imagine that
Lucy did not care about my being with
her just now, She made me very
welcome, certainly; but she seems
changed. and I don't know exactly
where or how! Perhaps she is ill. She
may say what she likes. but she looks
wretched. Ifso, am very glad have
come. She is an emotional creature,
and would probably have become
wretched and depressed while Herbert
is away"